The skin around your eyes is super delicate, in fact it's the thinnest on your whole body! Because of this, it's more prone to dryness, irritation, and showing signs of aging first. I interviewed Dr. Jennifer Tsai , well-regarded Optometrist in NYC who also focuses on facial/eye aesthetics, to learn more about the importance of using products formulated for the sensitive eye area.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Dr. Tsai, can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become an optometrist specializing in eye care?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: Born and raised in Northern Virginia, I started wearing glasses as a child and dealt with a few scary eye conditions, including a corneal ulcer and a retinal tear. These early experiences instilled in me a profound appreciation for vision and the importance of proper eye care. With a passion for health, fashion, and entrepreneurship, I discovered that pursuing a career as an Optometrist would allow me to merge all my interests into one fulfilling path. So, after graduating from Optometry school in Pennsylvania, I relocated to New York City to start my career as an Optometrist. And in 2020, I opened my own practice LINE OF SIGHT in Manhattan with one goal in mind — to revolutionize eye care.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: In your practice, how often do you encounter patients with sensitive eyes? What are some of the common concerns they raise?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: Sensitive eyes is quite a common issue that comes up in the exam room. Some may not realize that sensitive eyes can cause watery, red, burning, irritated, and blurry eye sensations. The most common concerns are eye strain, contact lens discomfort, irritation with makeup, and allergies.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Can you explain why the eye area is particularly delicate and requires specific care?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: The skin around the eyes is much thinner with fewer oil glands. This makes the eye area in particular more susceptible to early signs of aging and dryness. Often rubbing, allergies, and sun exposure can cause early changes as well to the eye area. Given these factors, specific care for the eye area is essential, including using the right eye care products formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Why is it important to use products formulated specifically for the sensitive eye area when it comes to eye beauty and care?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: Many products can irritate the eyes and lead to burning and stinging. The skin around our eyes is also more prone to inflammation and dryness. Specific formulations meant for the eye region would be more optimal at targeting specific concerns such as dark circles, under eye puffiness, and fine lines. Gentle formulations and avoiding harsh ingredients are also important factors when it comes to eye beauty.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: What are the potential risks of using regular skincare products around the eyes?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: Some skincare ingredients can contain harsher ingredients that irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions and dryness. Other ingredients such as acids and higher strength retinoids should be avoided around the eye region. Risks include causing eyelid inflammation, dryness, and sometimes even milia.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Can you tell us about your experience working with LUMIFY EYE ILLUMINATIONS™? How do these products cater to the needs of patients with sensitive eyes?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: LUMIFY EYE ILLUMINATIONS™ products are specially formulated to address the sensitive eye area. The line was developed by ophthalmologists and dermatologists, has a gentle formulation, and is hypoallergenic - making it an easy recommendation of mine to my patients. LUMIFY EYE ILLUMINATIONS products all have clean ingredients, meaning there’s NO Fragrance, Alcohol, Sulfates, Prostaglandins, Mineral Oil, PEG, Parabens, Phthalates, PHMB.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Are there any specific ingredients or features of LUMIFY EYE ILLUMINATIONS™ that make them suitable for sensitive eyes?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: The products contain nutrient-rich ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, eyebright botanical extract and more. This means that while it’s designed for the sensitive eye area, it also helps with hydrating the skin, brightening the skin, and contains antioxidant properties with real results.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: For our readers who have sensitive eyes, what are some general tips you can offer for maintaining healthy and beautiful eyes?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: Look for skincare products that are formulated for sensitive eyes, properly remove makeup with gentle ingredients like the LUMIFY EYE ILLUMINATIONS 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water, protect your eyes from UV exposure, avoid rubbing your eyes, and don’t forget your regular eye exams. And as always, maintain a healthy diet high in antioxidants and stay hydrated.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Are there any common mistakes people make when caring for their eye area that you would advise against?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: Sleeping with makeup on is not great for the eyes and skin. Leaving it on overnight can clog pores and lead to inflammation. Rubbing or pulling on the eyelid skin when applying makeup or removing makeup is a big no. And lastly, the skin around the eyes is often neglected when applying sunscreen.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: In your opinion, what are some of the upcoming trends in eye care, particularly for those with sensitive eyes?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: I’m starting to see a shift to products with natural and hypoallergenic formulations. I also see an increased preference is personalized & tailored eyecare treatments and products. Trends are already evolving with advanced technology using artificial intelligence in the space. And lastly, I imagine that eye care will continue to incorporate more holistic wellness with elements like nutrition.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Can you share a success story of a patient with sensitive eyes who benefited from using products formulated specifically for the eye area?
Dr. Jennifer Tsai: My patient struggled with sensitive eyes for years. She was a working professional, and her job was quite demanding on her eyes with hours of screentime and contact lens wear. Constant redness and irritation made her daily life uncomfortable. Switching to eye-specific products, like a gentle makeup remover, eye cream, and preservative-free artificial tears, transformed her routine. Within weeks, Sarah's eyes felt hydrated and comfortable. With specialized care, she regained confidence and found relief from her sensitive eyes.
